Trump calls for free passage of U.S. ships through Panama, Suez Canals
U.S. President Trump says American ships should transit the Panama and Suez Canals without charge, renewing calls to assert U.S. control over strategic waterways.
Panama City, Panama, February 18, 2025 – Vessel traffic through the Panama Canal rebounded significantly in January, with data showing an almost 50% year-on-year increase.
Eased weather conditions and improved draught levels have contributed to a recovery in transits, as 632 commercial vessels passed through the strategic waterway daily, bringing the total to 9,377 for January 2024-25.
The recovery was marked by notable increases across several vessel categories. Container ship traffic rose 15%, while liquid bulk cargo vessels increased by 50% to 221 transits. Dry breakbulk cargo shipments saw a surge of 205%, reaching 162 transits. In contrast, LNG traffic declined slightly by 2%, with 11 LNG ships recorded—a downturn linked to shifting energy supply patterns following Europe’s pivot toward US LNG amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Despite these gains, overall vessel traffic remains below the 2019–2022 average, as the canal continues to navigate challenges posed by climate-related fluctuations in water levels.
The canal, which serves as a vital link between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and ranks as the world’s second largest trade route with over 10,000 annual transits, remains predominantly used by the United States, accounting for 52% of ship traffic. Other major users include China - handling roughly a quarter of US cargo - along with Chile, Japan, and South Korea.
In a separate development, former US President Donald Trump made headlines by suggesting that the United States might consider reclaiming control of the canal. During a press conference, Trump remarked, “We didn’t give it to China. We gave it to Panama, and Panama has been ripping down all the Chinese language signs,” adding that the US should take action. His comments come amid broader discussions about Chinese influence in global trade routes, although the Panama Canal has been under Panamanian control since 1999 following a series of agreements that transferred US operational rights over the years.
Originally constructed under the Roosevelt administration and operated by the United States until a joint management arrangement began in 1977, the canal was fully handed over to Panama in 1999. Trump’s remarks have sparked controversy, as the canal’s governance and sovereignty are well established under Panamanian law.
As the canal’s vessel traffic continues to recover, analysts note that while weather-related challenges are easing, the long-term impact of climate change on canal operations remains a key concern for global trade stakeholders.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, and its European services to Amman, Jordan, effective immediately until 15 September due to escalating situation in the Middle East. Also, the air carrier temporarily suspended its flights between Astana, Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
Florida has started constructing a new migrant detention centre deep in the Everglades, a remote wetland known for its treacherous wildlife, as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to expand detention capacity.
The European Commission has announced looser state aid rules to accelerate green industrial projects and offer energy price relief for heavy industries, aiming to keep Europe competitive amid U.S. and Chinese pressure.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met his Romanian counterpart Nicusor Dan on the sidelines of the NATO summit in The Hague, reaffirming a commitment to deepen bilateral ties and enhance Black Sea security.
Norway is stepping up military support for Ukraine with a $640 million package aimed at boosting the country's drone capabilities, both on the battlefield and for infrastructure protection.
Ukraine faces a massive housing crisis as the ongoing war leaves over 2.5 million homes damaged or destroyed. Reconstruction efforts are advancing, but the road ahead remains long, complex, and deeply tied to economic, demographic, and security realities.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment